Luigi Baudana (Famiglia di G.D. Vajra) 'Dragon' Chardonnay Blend, Langhe, Piemonte, Italy 2024

Baudana is a family (Luigi and Fiorina), an estate, a hamlet, and a terroir in the north-central Barolo growing area of Serralunga d’Alba. Originally produced by Luigi Baudana during the 1980s with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, it has evolved to embrace Nascetta, an exciting heirloom variety, and a tiny amount of Riesling.

• Winemaker: Giuseppe, Isidoro and Francesca Vajra
• Varieties: Co-planted and Co-Fermented Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Nascetta, Riesling
• Terroir: The vineyards grow on ancient soils dominated mostly by Serravallian
• limestones and Arenarie di Diano marlstone of Tortonian origin. This Chardonnay vineyard (with a touch of Sauvignon) is located mid-slope on the northeast shoulder of the famed Cerretta Piani terroir of Barolo.
• Farming: Organic
• Vinification: Stainless Steel Vat Fermented
• Aging: Aged in stainless steel vats on fine lees with minimal batonnage throughout the winter, and bottled on March 2nd, 2023.
• Tasting Notes: Brilliant light yellow. Citrusy, with hints of lemon curd, mint, graphite, stone fruits, fresh mango and pineapple. The palate is creamy, textured, and sapid, with lingering fin Dragon is a unique white blend from the Langhe.

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From our January 2024 Club notes:

Luigi Baudana is a distinguished wine producer rooted in the Langhe region of Piedmont, Italy. The estate has a rich history dating back generations, initially known for its traditional approach to winemaking. However, in recent years, Luigi Baudana has garnered attention for its innovative and high-quality wines, drawing upon both tradition and modern techniques to create exceptional bottles.

The small independent winery gained prominence when it was acquired by the renowned Vajra family, who brought their expertise and passion for winemaking to the small garagiste-style operation. This merger of expertise and heritage allowed Luigi Baudana to evolve and excel, focusing on producing wines that capture the essence of the Langhe terroir while embracing contemporary winemaking philosophies.

The 'Dragon' Bianco exhibits a captivating fusion of local grape varieties, displaying the estate's commitment to crafting distinctive and memorable wines. A blend of 45% Chardonnay, 30% Nascetta (an indigenous white variety), 20% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Riesling, the wine is dry and savory on the palate, and because of extended aging on its lees, it also is supple and bold on the palate, bringing the intense acidity of the grapes into balance.  Citrusy, with hints of lemon curd, mint, graphite, stone fruits, fresh mango and pineapple, with a lingering finish. It is beautiful as an afternoon aperitif, or paired alongside nearly anything, from a homemade tuna sandwich, to creamy oysters, or a hearty vegetable & bean soup. — Simi Grewal